helendipietro's reviews
240 reviews

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This is a superbly written book that follows two best friends, Sam and Sadie, from being children in a hospital to adult business partners in the video-game industry. But don’t worry, you don’t have to be a mega gamer in order to connect with these pages.

It has some of the best chronic pain representation that I’ve ever come across in a book which made me feel very seen:

“Sometimes, I would be in so much pain. The only thing that kept me from wanting to die was the fact that I could leave my body and be in a body that worked perfectly for a while - better than perfectly, actually - with a set of problems that were not my own. You couldn’t land at the top of a pole, but Mario could.”

Speaking of representation, this is also a book that displays platonic love and shows that men and women can just be friends!

It’s about the game of life at the same time as the actual game industry and the process of creation. It’s about human relationships, trauma, grief, sexism, identify and friendship and it took me completely by surprise! 

I loved the philosophical aspects to it; it’s a book that you’ll want to highlight, tag and write in! 

Marx was my absolute favourite! Sadie and Sam were layered, relatable and loveable. Dov was toxically repulsive. The characters were done so well. This is a book full of feeling! 

The Light in Everything by Katya Balen

hopeful reflective sad

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Nostalgic. Lyrical. Emotional.

I liked reading this story through dual perspectives from two very different characters. This worked really well to portray the innermost thoughts of two children in a newly-blended family. The writing style was poetic and lyrical. At times I was thinking ‘would a child really think like that’ but overall the child’s voice was done well. 

Although her behaviour was at times infuriating,  Zophia went on a huge journey of self discovery. It was also great to see Tom finally sticking up for himself and standing up to her! There are real, honest moments of conflict between Zophia and Tom which added to the book’s authenticity.

I think this is a great book for talking about emotions and I endeavour to use this book to teach  figurative language to my tutees.

Swifter than Starlight by Cerrie Burnell
Did not finish book. Stopped at 6%.

Just read a taster. Will revisit later!

Stars in Their Eyes: A Graphic Novel by Jessica Walton

funny hopeful lighthearted reflective relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

So wholesome! It made me feel warm and fuzzy inside! Important representation through fun and  immersive illustrations ❤️

Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki by Baek Se-hee

reflective sad slow-paced

3.0

The cover and the title made me buy this book. This is a very honest and open look into someone’s mental health through transcripts taken from conversations with their psychiatrist. I was expecting more from it tbh but overall, once I got used to reading a transcript, I did relate and feel for the author. It’s such a brave thing to write and so feels weird giving a rating to a memoir but it’s supposed to help people which I think it will. Self sabotage and negative thought patterns are explored and I’m sure something we can all relate to. Also the exert from the psychiatrist themselves was a good addition; I wanted a bit more from them! 

Lumberjanes, Vol. 1: Beware the Kitten Holy by Grace Ellis, ND Stevenson, Shannon Watters

adventurous funny inspiring lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I'm so glad I discovered these graphic novels from watching youtube! They truly are so much fun - full of adventure and friendship!
I wish I'd read them when I was younger but still so much to enjoy as an adult. The illustrations are vibrant and transporting. I loved the characters too! Onto the next one...

The Stories Grandma Forgot (and How I Found Them) by Nadine Aisha Jassat

emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Leo and the Gorgon's Curse by Joe Todd-Stanton

4.0

LOVED THIS ONE THE MOST SO FAR!

Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert

Wrong order! Will read this after the second one :)